LIVINGSTON, Ala. – The University of West Alabama women's soccer team opens the 2025 season with a two-match road trip to Kentucky, beginning Thursday, Sept. 4, at Kentucky Wesleyan at 7:30 p.m. The Tigers will then remain in Owensboro to face Illinois Springfield in a neutral-site match on Sunday, Sept. 7, at 12 a.m.
West Alabama is looking to bounce back from a 3-9-3 campaign last fall, where the Tigers fell short of a Gulf South Conference tournament bid. Head coach Sam Wilson enters 2025 with a balanced mix of experienced returners and talented newcomers poised to make an impact.
Returners to Lead the Way
The Tigers return several key contributors from last season's squad. Aileen Charles led UWA's attack with five goals and 10 points, while Lily Graham added two goals and an assist in 14 starts. Selis Demirci (1 goal, 2 assists) and Emily Callahan (2 assists) bring creativity in the midfield, while Emily Djagbare and Summer Fox return depth and versatility to the lineup.
New Faces to Watch
Among the newcomers, Holly Gillies (Glasgow, Scotland / Meridian CC) brings collegiate experience and two-way ability after starting 31 matches in two seasons at Meridian. Up top, Bailee Fairley (Collinsville, Miss. / Holmes CC) arrives as a proven scoring threat, having tallied 16 goals and 10 assists across her JUCO career.
Scouting the Opponents
Kentucky Wesleyan finished 5-13 in 2024 but returns offensive spark from forward Haley Osborne, who scored seven goals with one assist last season. Defender Steely Walker also provides leadership on the back line, while the Panthers look to stabilize their goalkeeping after conceding 42 goals a year ago.
Illinois Springfield (8-7-3 in 2024) presents a tough test on Sunday, returning several impact players. Forward Katelynn Ward (7 goals) and Dani Auble (3 goals, 2 assists) lead the Prairie Stars' attack, while transfer goalkeeper Gigi Yurevichbrings NCAA Division II experience, having previously earned All-GLVC honors at Maryville. UIS posted 25 goals last year while holding opponents to just 1.28 goals per match.
What's Ahead
The opening weekend offers UWA the opportunity to showcase its revamped roster against regional competition before beginning Gulf South Conference play. With veteran leaders anchoring the lineup and newcomers ready to contribute, the Tigers look to take a big step forward in 2025.
Kickoff is set for Thursday at 7:30 p.m. at Kentucky Wesleyan, followed by an 12 a.m. neutral-site match Sunday against Illinois Springfield.
